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Respiratory Health 2024

Ireland is advancing lung cancer research with major investment in early detection

Dr Claire Kilty

Head of Research, Irish Cancer Society

For people affected by lung cancer, early detection is key to improving treatment options for patients and ensuring better survival outcomes.


Typically diagnosed at an advanced stage, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ireland and worldwide, killing more people every year than breast, prostate and colorectal cancer combined.

Lung cancer research investment

In recognition of the importance of catching lung cancer early, the Irish Cancer Society is providing a groundbreaking €4.9 million in funding to the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre for a pioneering lung cancer research programme, marking the largest single investment in lung cancer in Ireland’s history.

This six-year programme will advance cutting-edge cancer care, focusing on early detection, advanced diagnostics and innovative treatments across four key lung research projects.

This six-year programme will advance
cutting-edge cancer care, focusing on
early detection, advanced diagnostics
and innovative treatments.

Four key lung research project areas

  1. Lung Health Check: Beaumont Hospital and RCSI will run Ireland’s first-ever mobile Lung Health Check pilot, with funding from the Irish Cancer Society and support by the EU4Health SOLACE consortium. This clinical trial will target select high-risk individuals, particularly current or former smokers in North Dublin and the North-East region, inviting them for a check for early detection of conditions (including lung cancer) before symptoms appear.
  2. Improving primary care pathways for lung cancer: The team will work closely with GPs to improve lung cancer detection, diagnostics and survivorship pathways.
  3. Rapid blood tests to determine best treatment options: A blood sample will be tested to identify whether patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer may benefit from more tailored treatments. This approach could speed up access to life-saving care.
  4. Immunotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer: New research will test immunotherapies (treatments that harness the power of our immune system) to treat patients with a specific, hard-to-treat form of lung cancer, which is common in Ireland.

Advancing lung cancer care

This partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre brings together cancer specialists, primary care leaders and patient advocates. They are united by a shared goal of advancing world-class cancer care, as well as improving cancer outcomes and the quality of life of people affected by lung cancer.

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